Colossians 4

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."  Colossians 4:2-6

Paul begins his closing of the book of Colossians with these words.  There are quite a few little nuggets of wisdom found here!  Paul urges the Colossians to "continue steadfastly in prayer".  Steadfastly: fixed in a direction; unwavering.  Are there topics you have been praying about for years, and you're not sure if God hears?  Paul says, keep praying!  Our persistence is an expression of our faith in God and His timing, not ours.  When you feel tired of praying, know that God is there -- still listening, still answering, still present with you in your circumstance. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).  Paul also says to be watchful with thanksgiving.  In other words, pray expectantly!  "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).  We can trust Him.

Another part that sticks out to me is "that God may open to us a door for the word."  Sometimes it seems to me like every time is a good time for the word!  But here, Paul sets the example that we need to pray and listen for God's timing.  Paul is currently in prison, or the equivalent of house arrest, as he writes this letter, so he is asking that they pray for a time for him to share the gospel.  I can imagine this is just burning inside of him! Yet, he waits.  And prays.  Wow, I need to adopt this as my own and learn how to wait and pray more, instead of just doing whatever I "think" it right.

And how can we "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of time"?  I would imagine Paul continues with the "how" of it when he says 1) always be gracious and 2) let your speech be seasoned with salt.  What does it mean to be gracious?  According to the dictionary: pleasantly kind, benevolent, courteous; characterized by comfort and ease; beneficent especially to inferiors.  Would you not just WANT to be around someone with those qualities?!  That's the point!  Non-Christians should want to be around us because we are comfortable to be around, lifting others up above ourselves, and respecting them as we also want to be respected. The goal is to bring out the best in others. And salt, that which makes many foods even palatable -- as we speak of Christ and the ways in which we are to live, be wise in how you present this.  We are not trying to "trick" anyone, but the fact is that Jesus brings the Good News.  This is good news!  Let's make sure that our non-Christian friends can see that in our speech and life.  Give them a taste that makes them want more!  Ask the Lord to help you with this...He knows what they need.